American Idol's Top Five

I hated to see Aaron voted off the show last night. Actually, "voted off" isn't exactly accurate. Nobody voted against Aaron; they chose to save somebody else. I hope that the star-maker machine picks up 17-year-old Aaron and helps him get a pop following. All he needs is one big hit and a couple of magazine covers, and Aaron can run with his career.

Sinatra week was a great idea, especially with Harry Connick Jr. at the helm, arranging the songs and supporting the singers with his instrumentals. What a generous man; what an opportunity for these contestants.

I am happy that these young singers did not try to over-stylize Sinatra songs by bending too many notes (like Mariah or Witney). A simple song can be ruined by over-doing it. Less can definitely be more, and these young singers honored Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., and themselves, by not doing vocal aerobatics. The true test of a singer is to get out there and sing, and that is what each of them did last night. Aaron Kelly did a fabulous job on Blue Skies.

Obviously, I cannot hear what the judges are hearing. Casey James sounded fantastic to me. He did not look like he missed his guitar. He seemed relaxed and poised, and as usual, G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!!! This man can be a star with his face alone that reminds me of Brad Pitt when I first saw him in Thelma and Louise and I said, "Who is that?" Since I haven't seen Brad without that scraggly beard for ages, I think Casey is....he is just too pretty. Have you noticed his shoulders and beautiful posture? And that boy can sing and play the guitar like nobody's business. He is one of my favorites.

Wouldn't it be funny if Big Mike were to win, after ending up in the bottom two so many times? I love Mike. Close your eyes next time he sings, and let yourself be carried away by that velvet voice that is similar perhaps to Luther Vandross. Mike can sing; he is not "pitchy," or as HCJ would say, "Off key." He isn't familiar with the term "pitchy," and he doesn't like it.

Mike can have a career. I'd buy his records. I'd buy Casey's as well. I might put a poster of Casey on my wall if I were 50 years younger. And if I were 55 years younger, I might put a poster up of Aaron Kelly.

Speaking of gorgeous men and boys: I barely noticed Lee DeWyze at first, and I thought he'd get voted off weeks ago. I'm so happy he didn't. Lee's voice is a cross--perhaps--between that of Joe Cocker and Michael Bolton, but I think he's a better singer. The judges keep telling Lee to smile. If Lee would smile several times in one night, he'd have a huge career. He is one good-looking man.

Our only woman contestant left is Crystal Bowersox. I think I'd change my last name, if I were Crystal. And I'd certainly get braces on my teeth. My guess is that Crystal's family is far from financial wealth but they've supported her deep appreciation and talent for music, especially bluesy music. Here I go making comparisons again. Crystal reminds me a bit of Jewel--who never fixed her crooked teeth, but she is considered beautiful nevertheless. Both Jewel and Crystal play the guitar and write good songs. And with their beautiful skin, they both look very earthy.

Crystal has an excellent voice. It is full and thick and smooth like Linda Ronstadt's voice. I could listen to either of these singers all day. Crystal could use some help from a stylist.

I suppose that Crystal will win, but I can picture Big Mike as the winner. On the other hand, the more we see of Lee, the more likely it seems that he might win. And what about Casey James? I will be happy to see any of these performers win American Idol. I hope they each have a big career ahead of them. I think they all do, including Aaron.